HORSHAM, PA. — Bimbo Bakeries USA (B.B.U.) will cease manufacturing operations at three bread and bun baking plants by the middle of May.

The company, which operates 75 manufacturing locations in the United States, said it will shut down its Knoxville, Tenn., and Dothan, Ala., facilities by May 21, and will cease manufacturing operations at its Mobile, Ala., facility but will keep the bakery’s onsite distribution center open.

Kevin Williams, regional vice-president of operations for B.B.U.’s Southeast region, said the aging facilities in Dothan and Knoxville “made it difficult to compete in the marketplace.”

Meanwhile, in Mobile, Mr. Williams said that “while a distribution presence is necessary in this area, transitioning production to another facility will help B.B.U. better serve our valued customers.”
B.B.U. employs 128 in Dothan, 62 in Knoxville and 126 in Mobile.

The company said the changes will not impact B.B.U.’s customer service, employee positions outside of the bakery, or the availability of its fresh baked products.